If you’re a Telkom Kenya subscriber, you may have heard of the Okoa service. This service allows you to borrow airtime in case you run out of credit and need to make an important call or send an urgent message.
To use the service, you need to have an active Telkom line that has been in use for at least two months. You also need to have accumulated usage of at least Ksh 50 in the past month and have at least Ksh 10 in your main account.
Once you meet these requirements, you can borrow Ksh 20, Ksh 50, or Ksh 100 depending on your needs.
To borrow airtime, simply dial *133# on your phone and follow the prompts. You will be asked to choose the amount you want to borrow and confirm the transaction.
The borrowed amount will be deducted from your next recharge, along with a service fee of 10% of the borrowed amount.
How to Register for Okoa on Telkom Kenya
If you are a Telkom Kenya subscriber, you can register for the Okoa service and borrow airtime in case of an emergency. Here are the steps to register for Okoa on Telkom Kenya:
- Dial *133# on your phone to access the Okoa service menu.
- Select “Okoa” from the menu options.
- Choose the amount of airtime you wish to borrow. The available amounts will depend on your usage history and eligibility.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your PIN. If you haven’t set up a PIN yet, you will be prompted to do so at this stage.
Once you have successfully registered for Okoa, you will be able to borrow airtime whenever you need it. However, keep in mind that there are limits to how much airtime you can borrow and how frequently you can use the service.
It’s important to note that borrowing airtime comes with a fee. Telkom Kenya charges a service fee of 10% for every Okoa transaction, which means that if you borrow Ksh. 100, you will have to repay Ksh. 110 within the repayment period.
Eligibility Criteria for Okoa on Telkom Kenya
If you’re a Telkom Kenya prepaid subscriber and need to borrow emergency airtime, you can use the PEWA service. However, before you can use this service, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
Here are the two main criteria that you need to fulfill to be eligible for Okoa on Telkom Kenya.
Account Status
Your Telkom line must be active for the past two months. This means that you should have used your Telkom line for at least two months before you can borrow airtime.
If you have not used your Telkom line for the past two months, you will not be able to borrow airtime using the PEWA service.
Usage History
You must have accumulated usage of Ksh 50 for the past month. This means that you should have used at least Ksh 50 worth of airtime on your Telkom line in the past month.
If you have not used Ksh 50 worth of airtime on your Telkom line in the past month, you will not be able to borrow airtime using the PEWA service.
To be eligible to use the PEWA service, your main account must have at least Ksh 10. Please note that you can only borrow Ksh 20, Ksh 50, and Ksh 100 emergency airtime from Telkom Kenya.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential if you want to borrow airtime using the PEWA service. If you fail to fulfill any of these criteria, you will not be able to use the PEWA service to borrow airtime.
Steps to Okoa on Telkom Kenya
If you are a Telkom Kenya prepaid subscriber, you can use the Okoa service to borrow airtime in case of an emergency. Here are the steps to follow to Okoa airtime on Telkom Kenya:
Via USSD Code
- Dial *133# on your Telkom Kenya line.
- Select the “Okoa” option from the menu.
- Choose the amount of airtime you want to borrow. You can borrow Ksh 10, Ksh 20, Ksh 50, Ksh 100, or Ksh 200.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your Telkom Kenya PIN.
Your account will be credited with the borrowed airtime, and the amount borrowed plus a service fee will be deducted from your next recharge.
Through Telkom App
- Download the Telkom app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
- Log in to the app using your Telkom Kenya number and PIN.
- Tap on the “Okoa” option on the app’s home screen.
- Choose the amount of airtime you want to borrow.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your Telkom Kenya PIN.
Your account will be credited with the borrowed airtime, and the amount borrowed plus a service fee will be deducted from your next recharge.
Remember, you can only borrow airtime if your Telkom line has been active for the past two months, you have accumulated usage of at least Ksh 50 for the past month, and your main account has at least Ksh 10.
Also, you can only borrow Ksh 10, Ksh 20, Ksh 50, Ksh 100, or Ksh 200 emergency airtime from Telkom Kenya.
Repayment of Okoa on Telkom Kenya
When you borrow Okoa on Telkom Kenya, you are required to repay the borrowed amount within 72 hours. Failure to do so may result in a penalty or disqualification from borrowing in the future.
To repay your Okoa, you can use the following methods:
1. Airtime Recharge
You can repay your Okoa by recharging your Telkom line with the equivalent amount borrowed. For instance, if you borrowed Ksh 50 Okoa, you can repay by purchasing Ksh 50 airtime and loading it onto your Telkom line.
2. Paybill Number
Another way to repay your Okoa is by using the Telkom Paybill number. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to your M-Pesa menu
- Select Lipa na M-Pesa
- Choose Paybill
- Enter the Telkom Paybill number: 777711
- For the account number, enter your Telkom mobile number
- Enter the amount you wish to repay
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN and send
3. Telkom App
You can also repay your Okoa using the Telkom app. Here’s how:
- Download and install the Telkom app from Google Play Store or App Store
- Log in to your account
- Select the Okoa option
- Choose the amount you wish to repay
- Confirm the repayment
It is important to note that you cannot borrow Okoa if you have an outstanding Okoa balance. Therefore, ensure that you repay your Okoa on time to avoid any inconvenience.
Benefits of Okoa on Telkom Kenya
If you are a Telkom Kenya subscriber, you can borrow airtime using the PEWA service, which is similar to Safaricom’s Okoa Jahazi. Here are some benefits of using Okoa on Telkom Kenya:
1. Convenience
One of the main benefits of Okoa on Telkom Kenya is convenience. You can borrow airtime anytime, anywhere, without having to go to a shop or vendor. All you need is your phone and the *133# code to access the service.
2. Emergency airtime
Okoa on Telkom Kenya is designed to help you in emergency situations when you run out of airtime and cannot make calls or send messages. With Okoa, you can borrow airtime and continue using your phone until you can top up again.
3. Flexible repayment options
Telkom Kenya offers flexible repayment options for Okoa. You can repay the borrowed airtime within 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours, depending on the amount borrowed. This allows you to manage your finances better and avoid incurring unnecessary charges.
4. No interest charges
Unlike other loan services, Okoa on Telkom Kenya does not attract any interest charges. You only pay a small service fee when you borrow airtime, which is deducted from the borrowed amount.
5. Easy eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Okoa on Telkom Kenya, you only need to be a Telkom prepaid subscriber and have an active SIM card. There are no complex eligibility criteria or credit checks required.
Challenges of Okoa on Telkom Kenya
While Okoa on Telkom Kenya is a convenient service, it comes with a few challenges that you should be aware of.
Limited Borrowing Amount
Firstly, you can only borrow a maximum of Ksh 50 emergency airtime from Telkom Kenya. This means that if you require more airtime, you will need to find another way to top up your account.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to use the Okoa service, your Telkom line must be active for the past two months, and you must have accumulated usage of Ksh 50 for the past month. Additionally, your main account must have at least Ksh 10. If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be able to borrow airtime.
Repayment Period
When you borrow airtime on Telkom Kenya, you must pay back the amount within 24 hours. If you fail to do so, you will be charged a penalty fee, and you will not be able to borrow airtime again until the outstanding amount is paid.
Network Coverage
Finally, Telkom Kenya’s network coverage may not be available in all areas, which could make it difficult for you to access the Okoa service. It is important to check the coverage in your area before relying on this service.
Tips to Maximize Okoa on Telkom Kenya
If you’re a Telkom Kenya subscriber, you can take advantage of the Okoa service to borrow airtime when you’re running low on credit. Here are some tips to help you maximize your use of the service:
1. Borrow only what you need
While it can be tempting to borrow the maximum amount of airtime available to you, keep in mind that you’ll be charged a service fee for each amount borrowed. Borrow only what you need to get by until your next recharge.
2. Repay your debt promptly
When you borrow airtime, you’ll need to repay the amount borrowed plus a service fee within a specified time frame. If you don’t repay your debt on time, you may be charged additional fees or have your line suspended. To avoid this, make sure to repay your debt promptly.
3. Check your credit balance regularly
To avoid running out of credit and having to borrow airtime, check your credit balance regularly. This will help you keep track of your usage and plan your recharges accordingly.
4. Take advantage of promotions
Telkom Kenya occasionally offers promotions that allow you to borrow airtime at a reduced or waived service fee. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them when they’re available.
5. Consider other options
If you find yourself borrowing airtime frequently, consider other options for managing your credit. For example, you could switch to a more affordable plan, use data bundles instead of airtime for internet access, or explore other ways to earn free airtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for borrowing airtime from Telkom Kenya?
To borrow airtime on Telkom Kenya, dial *133# on your phone and select the amount of airtime you want to borrow. The amount you can borrow depends on your usage history and the amount you have repaid in the past. A small service fee will be charged on top of the borrowed amount, which will be deducted from your next top-up.
How do I check my Telkom Okoa Jahazi balance?
To check your Telkom Okoa Jahazi balance, dial *131# on your phone and select the “Check Balance” option. You will receive an SMS with your remaining balance and the due date for repayment.
How do I redeem Telkom Ziada points?
To redeem your Telkom Ziada points, dial *126# on your phone and select the “Redeem Points” option. You can use your points to purchase airtime, data bundles, or other Telkom products and services.
How can I buy Telkom credit from Mpesa?
To buy Telkom credit from Mpesa, follow these steps:
- Go to the Mpesa menu on your phone
- Select “Lipa na Mpesa”
- Select “Pay Bill”
- Enter the Telkom pay bill number (777711)
- Enter your Telkom mobile number as the account number
- Enter the amount of credit you want to buy
- Enter your Mpesa PIN and confirm the transaction
You will receive a confirmation SMS from both Mpesa and Telkom once the transaction is complete.
What is the code for borrowing airtime from Telkom Kenya?
The code for borrowing airtime from Telkom Kenya is *133#. Dial this code on your phone to access the Telkom PEWA service and follow the prompts to borrow airtime.
Can I get a loan from Telkom Kenya?
Yes, Telkom Kenya offers a loan service called T-kash. To apply for a loan, dial *160# on your phone and follow the prompts to register for T-kash. Once registered, you can apply for a loan by dialing *160# and selecting the “Loans” option. The amount you can borrow and the interest rate will depend on your credit history and usage patterns.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, borrowing airtime on Telkom Kenya is a convenient and easy way to stay connected with your loved ones when you run out of airtime. The PEWA service allows you to borrow airtime and pay it back later with a small interest fee.
Remember to always check your eligibility for the service and ensure that you have repaid your previous loans before borrowing again. Take advantage of the different denominations available to suit your specific needs.
It is also important to note that borrowing airtime should not be a regular habit as it can lead to increased debt and financial strain. Therefore, it is advisable to only use the service in emergency situations.
